How do CPAP Machines Work?

CPAP is used to treat mild, moderate and even severe cases of sleep apnea.

However, for complicated cases of central apnea, mixed apnea or Cheyne-Stokes respirations, the treatment requires the use of high-end technology devices, such as bi-level PAP device (BiPAP) or auto-adjusting device (APAP).

The air pressure setting from CPAP machine may differ from patient to
patient. To find what is the best pressure to open your airway without
causing side effects, you need a sleep study.

Having the correct air pressure from your CPAP

Higher than necessary CPAP air pressure can trigger central apnea
events, which will aggravate your sleep instead of improving. The
settings from your CPAP must be changed by a qualified person, not by
yourself.

The following video describes what is CPAP and how does it work to give you air to breathe in the night:

Important features that CPAP needs to have

The CPAP machine has some features that help you increase the comfort when you sleep, such as:

Important Features in High Quality CPAP Machines

ramp feature - allows a gradual increase of the air pressure from a low level to the final prescribed air pressure. This feature is useful mainly for patients who need a high pressure to maintain the airway open.

humidifier - to prevent the nasal passages or the throat to become stuffy or dry. This feature is useful for every CPAP user.

memory card - to record the information from your sleep. This device records the necessary data for your doctor to analyze your sleep quality.

air filter - to clean the air before entering into your airways.

exhalation relief - to make exhalation against the CPAP pressure easier.

Side Effects from CPAP Machines

Although CPAP is a simple therapy, many patients have difficulties
using the machine every night. Research has shown that 50% of those who
do use CPAP will not be using it after 4 years. Other patients use the
machine only a couple of hours in the night, instead of whole night.

CPAP users give up their machines because they don't know how to confront the side effects. These CPAP problems are very common, and learning how to manage them can improve the success rate. Here are some examples:

The
next video is about a positive experience with CPAP. This man explains
very nicely how things work, from his own experience:

There are patients with sleep apnea who gave up the CPAP just
because they have not seen any positive result. Learn from their
mistakes with help tips for CPAP users.

CPAP Chin Strap - Do You Sleep With Your Mouth Open?

CPAP users who have air leak problems receive a low level of pressure, so their therapy is ineffective.
If you sleep with your mouth open and you don't use a full face mask, the CPAP therapy will fail.

How to Choose the Best CPAP

If your doctor prescribes a CPAP, you need to find one that is good
for you. Do not rush at the first CPAP shop. Take your time. Think about
buying a car: you need to compare many dealers and products before
making a choice.

However, your breathing machine is more
important. You will spend more time with your CPAP than with your car,
and you should start using your breathing machine soon as possible.

CPAP for Travel

Are you planning a holiday overseas? Do you want to travel abroad? If
you suffer from sleep apnea, you need to take your CPAP with you.
Read more about how to choose a CPAP for travel.

Cleaning Your CPAP Equipment

Bottom line... The CPAP machine will eliminate the symptoms
of sleep apnea, but it doesn't mean you will be cured. So, don't assume
that you are treated just because you feel better. If you stop your
treatment with CPAP, sleep apnea will return.

Questions and Tips About CPAP/Masks

Do you have problems with your CPAP or mask? This is the place where you can ask a question about any aspect of using the CPAP machine and mask issues, and I will give you an answer or help you solve the problem. It's free and it's easy to do.

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How often to replace the CPAP machine? Not rated yetDo you need to replace your CPAP machine periodically?
Answer Is a good practice to replace the CPAP machine periodically, but that doesn't mean you …

Receiving Low CPAP Air Pressure Not rated yetIn this article you'll learn what can you do if you feel the CPAP pressure is too low, affecting your sleep:
I have been using the CPap for almost …